Boise State women's basketball signs three prep standouts to National Letters of Intent?Gordy Presnell, Boise State's head women's basketball coach, announced today the signing of three talented high school recruits to national letters of intent. The newest Broncos are Lauren Lenhardt a forward from Eagle, Idaho, and a pair of guards in

BOISE, Idaho (11/12/08) Gordy Presnell, Boise State’s head women’s basketball coach, announced today the signing of three talented high school recruits to national letters of intent. The newest Broncos are Lauren Lenhardt a forward from Eagle, Idaho, and a pair of guards in Julia Marshall from Wichita, Kan., and Taylor McGilbra from Houston, Texas. Lenhardt is one of the top players out of the state of Idaho while Marshall and McGilbra are nationally ranked guards by various recruiting websites.

“I am excited about this class, I think it is one of the most athletic classes that we’ve had here,” said Presnell. “We are excited to get a local product in Lauren Lenhardt of Eagle, while Taylor McGilbra and Julia Marshall are national caliber type players that are ranked nationally by recruiting services. Overall these three will bring a lot to the program.”

Lenhardt’s arrival will add depth to the Broncos’ post positions, while Marshall and McGilbra will help fill the void that will be left once the three senior guards on this year’s roster Tasha Harris, Jamia Malone, and Brittany Moore depart the program at the end of the season. This group of recruits is believed to be the best class that Presnell’s staff has brought in since they arrived in 2005.

Recruiting is an ongoing process for Boise State which still has one scholarship available to offer between now and the spring signing period in April.

The Broncos open the 2008-09 campaign this Friday night against Seattle University in the first game of a doubleheader with the men’s team.

Following are short bios on this year’s recruiting class...

Lauren Lenhardt

Lenhardt is currently a senior at Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho, where she is a four-year member of the Mustangs’ varsity squad and a senior team captain. The 6-2 forward missed most of her junior season at EHS with an injury, but averaged 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game as a sophomore to earn second-team All-Southern Idaho Conference honors. She has also been recognized for her success in the classroom as a two-time member of the SIC All-Academic team. Although Lenhardt had many offers after the July viewing period she chose Boise State over Montana State and Seattle Pacific.

“Lauren had a lot of offers, we are glad she has chosen to stay home,” said Presnell. “She is long, she’s athletic, and a great student. I am just really excited that she has decided stay here and be a Bronco!”

Julia Marshall

Marshall is currently a senior at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, Kan. The 5-9 guard is a four-year starter for the Eagles’ varsity team where she has helped the team to 56-15 overall record the last three seasons. She averaged 18 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals as junior last year. Marshall is a two-time all-conference honoree, in addition, to earning first-team all-state recognition last year. This fall ESPN has ranked her as the 29th best guard nationally and the 130th ranked girls basketball player overall. Marshall is also a standout student who is a three-time all-academic team honoree. She chose Boise State over Creighton, New Mexico State, and Drake.

“Julia is athletic, a scorer, and a slasher,” commented Presnell. “She is one of the top players in the state of Kansas who had opportunities to go to other schools but chose to come to Boise State. The Broncos are going to be better with her on the team.”

Taylor McGilbra

Taylor McGilbra is currently completing her senior year at Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas. The 5-9 point guard is a three-year letterwinner as a member of the varsity team. The senior team captain averaged seven points, four assists, and three steals per game as a junior earning second-team all-district honors. As a junior, McGilbra led her team to a 36-2 overall record, a 15-1 league mark, and a number four ranking in the state of Texas. She also plays club basketball for the top Houston club team the Texas Blazers under Coach Herb LeDee. She is an academic standout and is a member of the National Honor Society. McGilbra is ranked as the 56th top guard in the nation and 257th girls basketball player overall by Dan Olson’s Collegiate Girls Basketball Report. McGilbra pick Boise State over Wichita State, Santa Clara, UTSA, and Texas State.

“Some other programs here at Boise State are into recruiting Houston so we wanted to get in there as well,” said Presnell. “We are fortunate to get someone of Taylor’s athletic ability. She’s extremely athletic and plays for an outstanding high school and club team. I think she is going to have a great career here as a Bronco.”